Download Advancing Climate Action in Queensland

Department of Environment and Heritage Protection
UNDERSTAND | ADAPT | TRANSITION
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Advancing Climate Action in Queensland
Making the transition to a low carbon future
Message from the Premier and the Minister
In 2015 we experienced the hottest year on Earth since
record-keeping began. This was followed by confirmation
that February 2016 was the hottest month ever recorded.
Indeed 14 of the 15 hottest years on record have occurred
since 2001; March 2016 was the 373rd consecutive month
to be warmer than the 20th century average.
The fact that the planet is getting warmer is no longer a
point of debate on the world stage.
At the 21st United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (COP21)
climate conference in December 2015, nearly 200 nations,
including Australia and our key trading partners, signed
the Paris Agreement. For the first time, the international
community has accepted unanimously that climate change
is real and that concerted action to reduce carbon pollution
is required from all nations.
The agreement commits the world to limiting any increase
in global temperature to “well below 2°C” while “pursuing
efforts to keep warming to 1.5°C”.
To achieve this goal, global carbon pollution will need to
reach net zero around the middle of this century.
The good news is that we have solutions that can build a
cleaner, more sustainable and prosperous Queensland.
New technology is changing how energy is produced: we can
create jobs and increase living standards in Australia and
globally while decreasing carbon emissions at the same time.
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Here in Australia, other state and local governments already
have committed to achieving net zero carbon pollution by
2050. Many in the Australian business sector are calling
for strong and immediate action, with leading companies
making their own commitments to limit carbon pollution.
Queensland was once a national leader in action to reduce
carbon pollution. The former LNP government systematically
dismantled the forward-looking climate policies of previous
governments, leaving Queensland unprepared at a time
when other state governments in Australia and governments
around the world are rapidly implementing policies
that embrace the transition to a clean energy economy.
This reckless approach and lack of a strategy has left
Queensland on a dangerous upwards emission trajectory at
the very time we need to be reducing our emissions.
It’s time to get Queensland back on track, ready to face the
challenges and embrace the opportunities of the future. We
will develop our own strategy to prepare Queensland for
the future, to manage the transition to a low-carbon world
and make sure our fair share of the jobs and industries of
the future are built here in Queensland for our children.
Developing this transition strategy is one element of a
three-part program of work the Queensland Government
is undertaking in response to our changing climate. The
warming climate directly impacts Queensland in many ways—
from hotter days to rising sea levels and more frequent and
intense extreme events like storms, floods and droughts.
The Queensland Government is working with leading
science bodies to develop a detailed understanding of how
global warming will affect Queensland in the future under
different warming scenarios.
This research supports the new Queensland Climate
Adaptation Strategy, which is being developed in
partnership with a wide range of sectors to address the
risks to our economy, infrastructure, environment and
communities from current and future climate impacts.
With advances in technology, and global trends driving
increased innovation and investment, any number of
actions can be taken to put Queensland firmly on the path
towards a clean energy future where we can be proud of the
legacy we create.
This discussion paper provides some of the best examples
of work being done by governments, businesses and
individuals in Australia and elsewhere to illustrate what is
possible. We urge all Queenslanders to have your say on
the direction and opportunities we should pursue to build a
cleaner, more sustainable and prosperous Queensland.
Annastacia Palaszczuk
Premier of Queensland and
Minister for the Arts
Dr Steven Miles MP
Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection and
Minister for National Parks and the Great Barrier Reef
Develop a comprehensive
understanding of how climate
change will affect Queensland
UNDERSTAND ADAPT | TRANSITION
Work to reduce the risk of current
and future climate change impacts
on Queensland
Understanding and
adapting to
climate change is part
of this government’s
broader Advance
UNDERSTAND ADAPT | TRANSITION
Queensland agenda:
harnessing innovation
to strengthen and
diversify the economy
and create the new jobs
of the future, beyond
the mining boom.
Do our fair share to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, and
create the low-carbon economy jobs
of the future in Queensland
UNDERSTAND ADAPT | TRANSITION
Photo courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland
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Contents
Message from the Premier and the Minister........................................................2
Purpose..............................................................................................................5
International context..........................................................................................6
National context ................................................................................................9
Queensland context..........................................................................................11
What are the opportunities?.............................................................................. 18
What Queensland is already doing...................................................................22
What more should Queensland be doing?.........................................................26
Electricity and energy efficiency........................................................................28
Built environment.............................................................................................30
Transport.......................................................................................................... 33
Waste...............................................................................................................34
Land sector....................................................................................................... 37
Resources.........................................................................................................39
References.......................................................................................................42
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Purpose
Queensland was once a national leader in promoting a low
carbon future.
The former Office of Climate Change (OCC) established in 2008 had an extensive
program and budget. In 2010-11, the OCC had a budget of more than $50 million
and about 60 staff. This included the Queensland Climate Change Fund of
$30 million annually, and the Queensland Climate Change Centre of Excellence
which provided dedicated scientific advice to the government.
However since 2012, the state-level policies and programs that worked towards the
goal of a low carbon future have been dismantled. Queensland’s emissions are on
a dangerous upwards trajectory and the state is unprepared for the transition to a
clean energy economy that is gaining pace elsewhere around the world.
Queensland now lags behind other Australian states, such as Victoria and
South Australia. It’s time to re-start the conversation about how we build on our
existing strengths, exploit our natural competitive advantages and transition to a
cleaner energy, low carbon future that will benefit our families, our children and
future generations.
Overall, economies that recognise that the global, low carbon transition is both
inevitable and already underway, and plan accordingly, are better positioned
to realise the opportunities presented and reap the benefits of early action.
Conversely, those that ignore this issue and fail to plan for the transition will be
forced to make abrupt and painful changes in the future. It makes sense to plan
ahead now and to encourage new industries and jobs that will ensure the most
successful transition possible.
We’ve already begun to rebuild, with a bold renewable energy program, new
vegetation protection laws before Parliament, and initiatives like Advance
Queensland and the Biofutures 10-Year Roadmap. But there’s more we can do.
This paper includes a number of policy and direction-setting questions for the
community to consider when responding to the issues raised. Your feedback and
ideas will help shape the transition strategy for Queensland in an increasingly
low carbon global economy.
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International context
In December 2015, the international community unanimously adopted an ambitious agreement to decarbonise the global economy and to limit the impact
of climate change. The UNFCCC COP21 Paris Agreement commits 195 nations to hold the increase in global average temperature to “well below” 2°C above
pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
International action
Subnational action
The Paris Agreement sets the world on a path towards a low carbon, low pollution, clean energy future
and requires global emissions to peak in the near future before reaching net zero emissions in the
second half of this century. Countries around the world are already acting to reduce emissions. To
date, 188 nations—accounting for almost 99 per cent of global emissions—have submitted post-2020
reduction targets. In order to hold nations accountable, these targets will be reviewed every five years
and adjusted based on the best available science.
State and regional governments around the world are also playing
increasingly influential roles in driving the transition to a low carbon
economy. These governments are taking action in the areas of energy,
environment, transport, planning and land use.
In addition to emissions reduction targets, many nations are taking concrete action to decarbonise their
economies. For example:
• The United States (US) is seeking to implement tough new emissions standards for power plants and
the oil and gas sector as well as comprehensive energy and vehicle efficiency standards.
• Almost 40 countries and more than 26 subnational governments price carbon (WB 2015). The
European Union has operated an emissions trading system since 2005. The world’s largest polluter,
China, is operating pilot emissions trading schemes in seven provinces and will introduce a national
scheme in 2017.
• China now leads the world in solar and wind energy. Government policies have driven a decline in
coal-fired electricity production and massive growth in renewable energy.
• India has launched an international solar alliance with the objective of bridging the divide between
government, industry and research organisations to increase investment in solar power. Already, 120
countries have signed up to the alliance (UNFCCC Newsroom 2015).
• The African Union and the African Development Bank have committed to producing 300 gigawatts
(GW) of renewable energy by 2030, more than double Africa’s current power capacity and roughly six
times more than Australia’s power capacity (AU 2015).
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Internationally they are using their authority to lead the way by:
• developing innovative climate and energy policies
• setting the standard for global action by committing
to 100 per cent renewable energy
• investing in clean technology infrastructure and start-up companies
• linking emissions trading systems
• developing new financing mechanisms
• making clear and meaningful commitments to emissions reductions
• ending deforestation and achieving net increases in tree cover.
State governments play a valuable role in sharing information
between jurisdictions, and encouraging national governments to
design equitable and cost-effective policy settings.
Local governments also play a particularly important role.
With responsibilities spanning planning and development,
environmental management, waste, transportation, roads and
more, local governments are on the frontline in dealing with the
impacts of climate change. They also play a lead role in involving
the community directly in efforts to address and mitigate climate
change, and can make a substantial impact in reducing carbon
pollution as large energy consumers in their own right.
Ultimately, all levels of governments must take an active role in
facilitating the transition to a low carbon economy.
Photo courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland
HOW STATE AND REGIONAL GOVERNMENTS CAN DRIVE CHANGE:
THE UNDER 2 MOU
The Subnational Global Climate Leadership Memorandum of Understanding is
a good example of how actions by state and regional governments can drive
global change. Known as the Under 2 MOU, in reference to the goal of limiting
warming to below 2°C, the signatories share the goals of limiting greenhouse gas
emissions to 2 tonnes per capita, or 80-95 per cent below 1990 levels, by 2050.
This agreement has been signed by more than 120 jurisdictions around the
world, representing 720 million people and about US$20 trillion in Gross
Domestic Product (GDP)—almost a quarter of the global economy.
South Australia became the first Australian state to sign the Under 2 MOU
during the Paris climate talks in December 2015.
(Read the full Under 2 MOU here: http://under2mou.org/)
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INDUSTRY—FORGING AHEAD
Industry has a key role to play in this transition and many companies have proven they are up for the task. Carbon pricing is finding support in the international business and
international transport sectors with more than 1,000 businesses participating in the Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition (CPL 2015). International aviation and shipping are both
investigating sectoral, market-based carbon pricing options.
A growing number of companies are taking action in advance of governments changing market conditions. Individual companies such as Coca-Cola and Pfizer have already implemented
their own internal emissions reduction targets. These companies are positioning themselves for a future they recognise as inevitable.
Peak industry bodies such as the Business Council of Australia, the Australian Industry Group and the Australian Energy Council have signed on to the Australian Climate Roundtable.
This broad-based coalition of organisations advocates for “Australia to play its fair part in global efforts to avoid 2°C and the serious economic, social and environmental impacts that
unconstrained climate change would have on Australia” (ACR 2015).
Virgin Australia is committed
Origin Energy was the first company in Australia
to adopt all seven of the ‘We Mean Business’
coalition commitments on climate change. These
commitments include using 100 per cent renewable
energy for its office facilities. Origin’s strategy of
combining a focus on gas-fired generation with
owned and contracted renewable energy helps meet
their 4.2 million customers’ demand for cleaner
electricity (see www.wemeanbusinesscoalition.org).
Westpac has set resource efficiency and
emissions targets since 1996. All Westpac
operations will be carbon neutral over the
period 2013 to 2017.
to reducing its emissions and
impact on the environment through
a combined approach of fuel
efficiency, sustainable aviation
biofuel development and carbon
offsetting in line with agreed global
industry targets. The airline is
currently investigating options to
procure locally produced aviation
biofuel in conjunction with alliance
partner Air New Zealand.
Sony has committed to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions from
operations by 42 per cent below
fiscal year 2000 levels by fiscal
year 2020, with a long-term vision
of reducing its environmental
footprint to zero by 2050. This
requires a 90 per cent reduction in
greenhouse gas emissions by 2050
on 2008 levels.
QANTAS is targeting a 1.5 per cent average improvement per annum in fuel
efficiency per revenue tonne out to 2020. Beyond 2020, the company is
targeting ‘carbon neutral growth’ and aims to reduce net emissions by
50 per cent by 2050 compared to 2005 levels.
Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc
has committed to reduce
absolute greenhouse gas
emissions from core business
operations by 50 per cent by
2020, using a 2007 baseyear, and to reduce the
greenhouse gas emissions
from drinks production by 33
per cent in that timeframe.
Rio Tinto has set quantified emissions
intensity reduction goals and is aiming
for substantial decarbonisation of its
business by 2050.
National context
The Australian Government has set a target of reducing carbon emissions by 26-28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. This is comparatively low when
measured against the commitments of other advanced economies such as the US, Germany and the United Kingdom.
The national targets are also well short of those recommended by the independent Climate
Change Authority (CCA), which the Queensland Government has resolved to support. The
CCA recommends emissions reduction in the range of 45-63 per cent on 2005 levels
by 2030.
The Australian Government’s Emissions Reduction Fund is also widely acknowledged
by economists to be an expensive and ineffective way to secure abatement, and any
abatement derived through the fund is more than outweighed by emissions growth
elsewhere in the economy.
Even the Safeguard Mechanism, which is intended to keep net emissions from large
facilities at or below baseline levels, has been forecast by carbon market analysts
Reputex as likely to lead to an increase in emissions covered by the scheme by 20 per
cent by 2030, unless the rules are tightened.
The Australian Government’s discontinuation of capital grants for new clean energy
projects under the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and its stated intention to
abolish the Climate Change Authority, raises serious questions about its commitment to
effective climate policy.
Given Australia’s low national targets and lack of national policy settings to cap and
reduce emissions, it is likely that we will come under increasing international pressure to
strengthen our climate change commitments, and introduce new policy mechanisms to
achieve these targets, in the near future. Inaction may also lead to broader implications
for Australia and Queensland’s trade relationships and our reputation for clean and green
food production.
The risk for the national and Queensland economies is that, in the absence of coherent
national leadership, it will be difficult to achieve the 2030 target and there will be delays
in making the necessary structural adjustments to the economy. Australia will be faced
with the challenge at a later date to more rapidly de-carbonise at greater economic cost
than if it had acted earlier, and will have missed the opportunity to lead the creation of
clean energy jobs of the future.
2030 Targets—implied reductions in total emissions, 2005-2030 (Climate Change
Authority 2015)
Change from 2005
-61%
UK
-35 to -39%
US
-51%
Switzerland
-45%
Germany
-44.5%
Norway
-26 to 28%
Australia
-34%
EU
-25%
Japan
-30%
Canada
-30%
New Zealand
+72 to 96%
China
+1 to -5%
Republic of Korea
Note: Japan’s efforts to reduce emissions were dealt a blow by the Fukushima disaster—closure of all its
nuclear power plants increased its reliance on fossil fuels. Change, except for Norway, is CCA calculation.
China committed to peak its emissions around 2030, and to reduce emissions intensity by 60-65 per cent
on 2005 levels by 2030; the range shown is an indicative estimate based on projected growth in China’s
real GDP. Korea has committed to reduce its emissions by 37 per cent from business as usual levels by
2030; the range shown is an estimate based on its 2005 emissions including and excluding the land sector.
The US figure is a linear extrapolation from its 2020 target through its2025 target; the UK figure is a linear
extrapolation from its 2020 target through the mid-point of its 2023-27 budget.
Sources: Royal Norwegian Embassy; Historical emissions: Australia 2014-15 Projections (DoE 2015); China
and Korea: (WRI 2014); Remaining countries: (UNFCCC Secretariat 2014a); includes land sector. China GDP:
OECD (2014).
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FIGURE 1 (DOTE 2013)
State and Territory total emissions including LULUCF, 2013
180
159.2
160
141.8
Emissions (Mt CO2-e)
140
119.7
120
100
83.6
80
60
40
27.4
20
13.8
1.7
0
New South Wales
Victoria
Queensland
Western
Australia
South
Australia
1.4
Tasmania Australian Capital
Territory
Northern
Territory
Note: The NSW inventory includes ACT emissions from the stationary energy sector.
FIGURE 2
CO2-e emissions (millions of tonnes of CO2-e)
Queensland historical and future baseline emissions
250
240
230
220
210
200
190
180
170
160
150
140
130
120
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
State GHG inventory
Baseline projections
LULUCF
Legislation passed to
ban broadscale land
clearing after phase-out
Moratorium on
new clearing
applications
Weakening of vegetation
management legislation
Onset of drought
conditions leading
to accelerated
fodder harvesting
Waste
Agriculture
Broadscale
clearing ban
implemented
Vegetation
Management Act
enacted but no moratorium
leads to panic clearing
Industrial Processes
Fugitive Emissions
Transport
Impact of Solar PV uptake,
energy efficiency and
manufacturing closures
Impact of LNG production
(electricity, direct combustion
and switch from gas to coal)
Electricity + Direct Combustion
Transport
Industrial processes
Waste
LULUCF
2030
Agriculture
2029
2027
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Fugitive emissions
2028
2025
2026
2023
2024
2021
2022
2019
2020
2017
2018
2015
2016
2014
2011
2013
2012
2010
2009
2007
2008
2005
2006
2003
2004
2001
2002
1999
2000
1998
1995
1997
1996
1993
1994
1991
1992
1990
Years
Electricity + direct combustion
Queensland context
Queensland’s carbon pollution—now and in the future
Currently Queensland’s economy is emissions-intensive which means that it produces high levels of greenhouse gas
emissions compared to other economies, on both a per person and per dollar gross state product basis. This is due to
Queensland’s significant reliance on coal-fired electricity generation, large mining and processing sectors, and higher levels
of tree clearing than any other state or territory in Australia. The transport sector also generates significant emissions, a
consequence of our large land area.
Latest data from the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory puts Queensland’s greenhouse gas emissions at around 160 million
tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year (Mt CO2-e), representing just under 30 per cent of total national emissions.
Without action, Queensland Government modelling indicates our total emissions will continue to significantly increase from
159.2 Mt CO2-e in 2013, to 215.3 Mt CO2-e in 2030, an increase of 35 per cent.
The business as usual (BAU) modelling shows that the lack of a strategy since 2012 has put Queensland’s emissions on a
dangerous upwards trajectory at the very time when international agreements require our emissions to be reducing.
The Australian Government aims to reduce emissions by 26–28 per cent on 2005 levels by 2030. Based on these projections,
Queensland’s emissions will increase 13 per cent over the same period (or 34 per cent by 2030 on 2000 levels).
Queensland’s previous ‘good news’ stories—such as declining emissions from electricity generation and land clearing—have
been reversed, and will continue to go backwards if new measures are not introduced to tackle our emissions.
(For more information: www.qld.gov.au/environment/climate/mitigating-effects/)
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LAND CLEARING IN QUEENSLAND
In 2006, the then Queensland Government enacted
legislation to end broadscale tree clearing. This was
followed in 2009 by the introduction of protections for
high value regrowth. These measures ensured Australia
met its Kyoto targets for reducing carbon pollution.
In 2013, the incumbent government rolled back that
legislation and presided over a dramatic escalation in
land clearing rates.
The Statewide Landcover and Trees Study (SLATS)
for 2012-2014 showed that the annual rate of clearing
increased from 153,638 hectares per year to almost
300,000 hectares per year in financial year 2013-14.
While most other states were reducing land clearing,
and even achieving net increases in forest cover, the
Australian Government’s accounting for 2013 land use
change and forestry emissions figures reveal that
90 per cent of Australia’s land use emissions occurred
in Queensland.
SLATS data has shown land clearing in Queensland
is now releasing more stored carbon into the planet’s
atmosphere than at any time in the past eight years—
almost 36 million tonnes each year.
The Australian Government’s Emissions Reductions Fund
has used $1.2 billion of taxpayer funds to buy back nearly
93 million tonnes of carbon that would otherwise have
been emitted in coming years.
But at the current rate, land clearing in Queensland will
rapidly wipe out the emissions reduction benefits derived
from the fund.
The Queensland Government introduced legislation to
Parliament in March 2016 to reinstate a responsible
tree-clearing framework for Queensland. The bill is being
considered by a parliamentary committee, with the
committee’s report due to Parliament by 30 June 2016.
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Impacts of a changing climate
While Queensland is no stranger to volatile and harsh weather conditions, climate change
is expected to amplify the frequency, distribution and severity of extreme weather events.
Increased average temperatures, more extremely hot days, more frequent and intense
extreme events such as storms, cyclones, bushfires and droughts, and increased sea
level and tides will change what it is like to live in Queensland.
Queensland’s climate is already changing. Experts agree that the planet is now 1°C
warmer on average than before the Industrial Revolution and there is a growing consensus
that 1.5°C of warming may be already locked in by past greenhouse gas emissions and
emissions projected to occur up to 2020. Our farmers, emergency responders, Queensland
State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers and public health workers are speaking out
about the impacts they can see already. And there is no more graphic visual representation
of the impacts of our warming planet than the global mass coral ‘bleaching’ phenomenon
that has severely affected the Great Barrier Reef in the summer of 2015-2016.
Without strong global climate change action, Australia will experience average warming
of 4°C by the end of this century which will see average temperatures 3–5°C higher in
coastal areas and 4–6°C higher inland (CCA 2014). Life will be substantially harder and
many people, sectors of the community and the environment will suffer.
Even under a scenario where warming is kept to 2°C, the Commonwealth Scientific
and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has found that Australia will still need to
adapt to additional sea level rise, increased frequency and intensity of bushfires and
floods, more frequent heatwaves and drought, increased water scarcity, and year-round
higher temperatures.
This is one reason why it is in Queensland’s interest to contribute to the global effort to
limit warming to well below 2°C as set out in the Paris Agreement.
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Photo courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland
The impacts of a changing climate1
The Queensland Government is investing $3 million over three years to develop and
implement a Queensland Climate Adaptation Strategy (Q-CAS) addressing ways to adapt to
manage the risks to our economy, environment, infrastructure and communities from current
and future climate impacts. Q-CAS is being developed in partnership with a wide range of
sectors, with public consultation expected in mid-2016.
The Queensland Government also will provide $12 million over the next three years, administered
by the Local Government Association of Queensland, to help coastal communities plan and
prepare for storm tide inundation, coastal erosion and rising sea levels from climate change.
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1
Adapted from Climate Commission 2012
Emergency services
Human health
• Increased likelihood of very high
fire danger conditions
• Increased frequency and
severity of cyclones and
intense rainfall events
• Bushfire preparedness for
increased risk as bushfire
seasons lengthen
• State fire agencies increasingly
needing to share personnel and
other fire-fighting resources
during peak demand periods.
• Increased frequency and/or
intensity of extreme weather
events, with immediate and
ongoing risks to human health
• Heat-related mortality likely to
increase with more Australians
dying every year from extreme
heat than from any other type
of natural disaster
• Expansion further south of
the geographic region suitable
for transmission of mosquitoborne diseases.
Biodiversity
Tourism and iconic ecosystems
Agriculture
Built environment
• Heat and extreme weather events
threaten the survival, breeding
and regeneration cycles of many
plants and animals
• Many of Queensland’s species at
increased risk of extinction
• Many of Queensland’s iconic
natural ecosystems such as the
Great Barrier Reef and World
Heritage tropical rainforests
increasingly threatened.
• Tourism, a key industry for
Queensland employing 230,000
people either directly or indirectly,
relies on unique local attractions
including the Great Barrier Reef,
RAMSAR listed Moreton Bay and
World Heritage tropical and sub
-tropical rainforests
• Higher temperatures and
changing rainfall will place
increasing pressure on
Queensland’s rainforests towards
the end of the century
• Higher sea surface temperatures
and more acidic oceans threaten
the Great Barrier Reef
• Tourism values of iconic beaches
(e.g. Gold Coast beaches)
and coastal ecosystems are
impacted by sea level rise
which contributes to beach
erosion, damage to property
and infrastructure and eventual
coastal retreat.
• Heat stress for livestock and plants
• Some fruit and vegetable crops
unable to be grown in their
current locations due to less
chilling and maturing time
• Salinity related to rising sea
levels adversely affecting crops in
coastal areas
• Potential increases in rainfall in
the north increasing waterlogging
in crops like sugar
• Reduced cereal production with
increases in temperature or
changes in rainfall.
• Large sea-level rises could
completely inundate some
Torres Strait islands, forcing
communities to relocate to
islands with higher ground or to
mainland Australia
• Increased risks of coastal flooding
and beach erosion for many areas
of the Queensland coast
• Moreton Bay, Mackay, Gold
Coast, Sunshine Coast, Fraser
Coast and Bundaberg local
government areas are most at
risk from increased frequencies
of extreme sea level events
• Increasing natural disasters will
threaten built environment assets,
resulting in damage to essential
public assets and the disruption
of the community, essential
services and the economy.
Photo courtesy of CoralWatch
THE GREAT BARRIER REEF’S GREATEST THREAT
The Great Barrier Reef is precious. The world’s largest coral reef is a unique national
icon of global significance that supports nearly 69,000 jobs.
But the reef is in trouble—and climate change is its greatest long-term threat.
Most of the increased warmth from global warming is absorbed by the oceans. The
oceans also absorb carbon dioxide, making them more acidic. This is fatal to corals.
At the same time, increased storm activity off the coast literally shears the reef to
pieces, while the intensifying drought/flood cycle on land washes more sediment and
pollution into the reef.
Coral reefs are the canaries in the coal mine of climate change. When live corals are
stressed from overheating, they expel the microscopic algae that give them their
unique, vibrant colours, leaving only a white skeleton.
In the summer of 2015-2016, strong El Nino conditions in the Pacific combined with
increased ocean temperatures due to climate change caused a global mass coral
bleaching event—only the third of its kind in history.
Bleached anemones at Lizard Island, March 2016
The Great Barrier Reef sustained severe bleaching, especially in the far northern
sector between Cooktown and the tip of Cape York. Fortunately most popular tourist
destinations were unaffected.
Photo courtesy of XL Catlin Seaview Survey
Protecting the Great Barrier Reef and the jobs it supports is a key priority for the
Queensland Government. The government is investing heavily in measures that will
improve the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef and its capacity to adapt and change
in response to warming ocean temperatures, including:
• investing an additional $100 million over five years for reef water quality
improvement measures
• establishing ambitious targets to reduce pollution affecting water quality in key
reef catchments’ water quality improvement targets
• appointing an expert taskforce led by the Chief Scientist to advise on improving
water quality
• legislating a ban on dumping capital dredge spoil
in the Reef World Heritage Area and strict limits on port development.
Coral bleaching at Lizard Island, March 2016
16 |
QUEENSLAND’S FLOODS OF 2010-2011 WERE MADE WORSE BY CLIMATE CHANGE
Researchers have found that long-term warming of surrounding oceans helped make Queensland’s floods of 2010-2011 far worse than they should have been (ARC Centre of Excellence
for Climate System Science 2015).
Extremely warm sea surface temperatures around Australia during the summer of 2010-2011 led to 84 per cent above average rainfall levels in northeast Australia and the highest
recorded soil moisture measurements since 1950.
The sustained and heavy rainfall over already saturated areas caused devastating floods across parts of south-east and central Queensland, claiming 35 lives and affecting more than
2.5 million people. More than 78 per cent of the state (an area bigger than France and Germany combined) was declared a disaster zone.
The World Bank estimated that the flood events of 2010-2011 and Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi together caused in excess of $20 billion (US$15 billion) in damages and losses (WB and
QRA 2011).
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What are the opportunities?
Just as Queensland is uniquely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, our state is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the opportunities
presented by the transition to a clean energy, low carbon economy.
The Paris Agreement has galvanised governments, industries, investors and innovators
around the growing opportunities of a clean economy. Global investment in clean energy
now outstrips fossil fuel investments with a record US$329 billion (AU$465.72 billion) in
global clean energy investment last year alone (BNEF 2016).
Technological and commercial advances, both domestically and internationally, are
producing clean energy goods and services at increasingly competitive prices. Governments
that foster the development of these new products, markets and business models are
already reaping the benefits in terms of growth, revenue and employment opportunities.
Queensland is benefiting from significant research and investment in the bio-energy sector
and growing investment in carbon forestry projects. Opportunities also exist in the large
scale mining and manufacturing sector where Queensland can combine its manufacturing
expertise, large resource base and renewable energy potential to produce low emissions
products and resources.
In particular, our plentiful supply of renewable energy resources and technology—
especially solar—gives Queensland the potential to be a net exporter of renewable energy
to other states.
Acting now will position Queensland to attract new investment
and employment opportunities, building the industries of the
future here in our state.
Along with creating new jobs, the transition to a clean energy, low carbon economy also
has the advantage of allowing households to better manage their own power and bills
through solar PV and batteries.
It’s important that as a state, we act early to develop our own transition strategy. This allows
us to design a strategy that suits our local priorities, rather than having one imposed on us
by external forces. Early action also means costs can be reduced and the risks of transition
better managed. Putting transition off to a later time will mean making deep, rapid economic
18 |
changes down the track—ultimately costing far more and unfairly disadvantaging vulnerable
sectors of our community.
Economic analyses, including modelling by the Australian Government’s Treasury
Department (2008), consistently find that early mitigation action is cheaper than delaying
action. That is, delayed action poses a greater risk to the national and Queensland
economies. The modelling finds that countries that defer action lock in emissions-intensive
infrastructure for longer and face higher long-term costs when forced to make greater
adjustments later.
Photo courtesy of Sunelec
| 19
FIGURE 3
Queensland coal exports in 2013-14 (Mt)
Thermal
Metallurgical
54.7
153.9
Metallurgical
20 |
Thermal
What impact will the global move to low carbon energy sources
have on our regional communities?
Queensland is a large exporter of coal which contributes significantly to the state’s economy.
On 18 December 2015, the International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that global coal
demand growth halted in 2014. A downward trend in 2015 is likely to be detected in the
next assessment. The IEA has reported that the economic transformation in China and the
adoption of low carbon policies worldwide—including the watershed Paris Agreement—is
likely to continue to constrain global coal demand (IEA 2015).
To achieve net zero emissions, global demand for thermal coal used in power production
must trend downwards over many decades.
However, during this global transition from coal to various forms of alternative energy for
power generation, there will continue to be demand for coal for power generation and
steel production.
Queensland produces some of the highest quality thermal and coking coal in the world
which is mined within a strong workplace safety and environmental legislative framework.
Due to the challenges of meeting the energy needs of developing nations, not supplying
these markets with Queensland coal would not result in decreased coal usage and global
carbon emissions in the short term: these countries would simply source coal from
elsewhere. While Queensland is one of the world’s largest suppliers of coal, its proved
reserves represent less than five per cent of globally available resources.
Coal usage in destination countries will be included in their own carbon emission plans,
and their own transition plans away from fossil fuels to renewables. The point of emissions
is also the focus for carbon pricing and regulatory action by our trading partners. This will
undoubtedly influence the export market in years to come. If Queensland is to make a real
difference to global emissions, it will be through leading the way to a low carbon economy.
Metallurgical or coking coal makes up three-quarters of Queensland’s coal exports by
both volume and value. The demand for steel is unlikely to decline by as much as the
demand for coal-fired energy because it is a key material in a large number of industries,
even renewable energy. Wind turbines are primarily made from steel, with the emissions
from their production more than offset by the clean energy they generate. The continued
need for steel means that Queensland will continue to export metallurgical coal even as
the world decarbonises.
Queensland has large amounts of viable land to undertake carbon sequestration projects
providing many rural landowners with an important opportunity to diversify their incomes
and benefit financially from the carbon market. Some Queensland landholders currently
receive funding from the Australian Government’s Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) to
undertake carbon sequestration projects.
The Queensland economy will continue to grow as the government works to reduce
carbon emissions, and jobs will grow across a number of different sectors including
renewable energy, tourism and mining.
CLEAN COAL TECHNOLOGIES
The extensiveness of coal as an energy source has long been expected to drive investment in clean coal technologies, including coal-fired power stations incorporating clean-coal
low-emission technology and carbon capture and storage (CCS); however, these clean coal technologies have not yet proven to be effective on a commercially feasible scale. The
widespread application of technologies like CCS depends heavily on technical maturity, accessible storage locations, cost, and the ability to transfer the technology to developing
countries, regulatory aspects, environmental issues and public perception.
If CCS is to form part of the long-term mix of measures used to reduce carbon pollution, industry will need to demonstrate that it can work and be economically viable in an environment
where proven renewable energy alternatives are becoming more and more cost effective.
| 21
What Queensland is already doing
The Queensland Government is already pursuing a range of strategies to tackle climate change and reduce the
carbon pollution generated within our state, including:
CLIMATE ADAPTATION
RENEWABLE ENERGY
• Developing a $3 million
Queensland Climate
Adaptation Strategy
(Q-CAS) in partnership with
a wide range of sectors
(public consultation is
expected in mid-2016)
• Appointing a Renewable Energy
Expert Panel to assess and establish
a credible pathway to a 50 per cent
renewable energy target by 2030
• Implementing a $12 million
coastal hazards adaptation
program in partnership
with the Local Government
Association of Queensland.
• Setting a target of one million solar
rooftops or 3000 megawatts of solar
PV in Queensland by 2020
• Instigating a public inquiry by
Queensland Productivity Commission
into fair price for solar energy
• The Solar 60 initiative supporting
up to 60 megawatts of large scale
solar generation
• Government-owned network operator
Ergon Energy to buy 150 megawatts
of renewable energy from suppliers in
regional Queensland.
22 |
LAND SECTOR
MANAGEMENT
• Reinstating responsible
vegetation management
framework to reduce carbon
emissions from treeclearing, with a bill currently
before Parliament
• Promoting opportunities for
Queensland landholders to
participate in the national
Emissions Reduction Fund.
TRANSPORT
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
INNOVATION
• Developing a network of
‘electric super highways’ with
fast-charging service stations
for electric vehicles the length
of Queensland
• Reviewing State Planning Policy State Development
Assessment Provisions and development assessment
requirements to consider how climate change and
renewable energy priorities can be advanced through
the planning framework
• Working to raise national
emissions performance
standards for appliances
and buildings
• Encouraging public transport
as mode of choice in SEQ with
new rail and ferry infrastructure,
review of all bus and train
service timetables in SEQ and
SEQ Fare Review
• Identifying ways that renewable energy and energy
efficiency can improve housing sustainability as part
of the development of a new Queensland Housing
Strategy
• Driving innovation within
traditional industries and
creating the industries
of the future with the
Advance Queensland
innovation and jobs plan
• Supporting improved federal
vehicle emissions standards
• Continuing work on Queensland
Cycle Strategy to encourage
greater use of cycle ways,
leading to fewer cars on the road
and reduced emissions
• Use of Managed Motorways
technologies to reduce stop-start
travel, leading to lower emissions.
• Through the State Infrastructure Plan, working to
ensure that Queensland’s infrastructure is resilient
and adaptive to climate change, contributes to
reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and is
considerate of the surrounding natural environment.
• New agency Building Queensland to provide
independent, expert advice on major infrastructure
projects, including examination of the social and
environmental impacts
• All state government projects of greater than
$100 million in value to include a sustainability
assessment (assessments will also be encouraged
for projects worth less than $100 million).
• Investigating new policy
options to improve
energy efficiency in new
and existing government
buildings.
• Supporting research into
the impact of climate
change on the Great
Barrier Reef to deliver
tangible outcomes for
change
• Helping industry connect
with researchers to
develop innovative ways
to improve practices and
reduce the environmental
impacts of business.
QUEENSLAND—POWERED BY SUNSHINE
Renewable energy in the pipeline
Queensland is a world leader in household
solar generation.
Private proponents are well-advanced in the development of a wide range of renewable energy projects, which will
provide a major boost to employment during construction and operation.
With more than 450,000 households and small
businesses already connected to solar, Queensland
has the highest number of installations in Australia.
The collective capacity of solar PV makes it the 2nd
largest power station in Queensland.
The Queensland Government is working with proponents of 17 projects, offering an additional 1000 megawatts of
installed energy generation valued at $2.4 billion and offering up to 2,300 jobs during construction. These projects
are spread across the State and feature a range of technologies including solar, wind and biomass.
This number continues to grow as solar PV is cheaper
than grid-supplied electricity in many cases.
The Queensland Government’s goal of one million
solar residential rooftops by 2020, along with
policies to facilitate more solar power generation in
community and rental housing and large-scale solar
installations, will consolidate our position as the
Sunshine State.
As part of the Solar 60 program, the Queensland Government is collaborating with the Australian Renewable
Energy Agency (ARENA) in its 200 megawatt auction for large scale solar generation. On 14 January 2016, ARENA
shortlisted 22 Projects across Australia to participate in the second round of its program, including ten very
competitive projects located in Queensland.
Ergon Energy is undertaking a tender process to contract up to 150 megawatts of large-scale renewable energy
capacity in Queensland. This process will help Ergon Energy to meet its liabilities under the Federal Renewable
Energy Target.
ADVANCE QUEENSLAND
The Advance Queensland initiative will position Queensland as a place where entrepreneurs, industry, universities and government work collaboratively to turn great ideas into
investable products and grow businesses that create the jobs and exports of the future.
Examples around Australia have shown that an early transition to a low carbon economy maximises employment and investment opportunities, and that innovation is the key to
this transition.
The Queensland Government has invested $180 million over four years in the Advance Queensland program to create the knowledge-based jobs of the future. This includes the
Advance Queensland Innovative Partnerships program, which offers grants of up to $1.5 million to Queensland research organisations to undertake collaborative research projects
with industry or small- to medium-sized enterprises addressing one of Queensland’s science and research priorities, including clean energy and climate change.
This program will boost the productivity growth and competitiveness of existing industries and accelerate the development of emerging industries and technologies where
Queensland could have comparative advantage in global markets—helping create jobs now, and jobs for the future.
(For more information: http://advanceqld.initiatives.qld.gov.au)
24 |
Qantas and Virgin Australia support
the Queensland Government’s
commitment to develop an advanced
bio-economy. Transitioning the
industry from the production of first
generation ethanol/biodiesel to a
bio-economy producing advanced
fuels, chemicals and polymers will
require careful policy and planning.
Joint presentation by Qantas and Virgin Australia to
members of the Queensland Government.
BIOFUTURES
The Queensland Government is committed to
stimulating an industrial biotechnology revolution in
the state.
Queensland has the potential to become a leading
producer of bioproducts and technologies, creating
new markets for both technology developers and
agricultural producers and providing significant regional
development prospects for the state.
Legislation passed by the Queensland Parliament
on 1 December 2015 introduced a biofuels mandate,
requiring the fuel industry to meet targets for the sale
of bio-based petrol such as E10 ethanol-blended petrol
and bio-based diesel.
The biofuel mandate is a step towards growing
our biofuel and bio-manufacturing industries:
it provides certainty so the industry can invest,
innovate and grow.
Queensland motorists will continue to have choice in
the fuel market to purchase ethanol-blended petrol or
other unleaded fuels to suit their engine.
Prescribed sustainability criteria will apply to the
bio-based diesel and ethanol additives that may
be counted toward the fuel and diesel mandates.
Applying these criteria will reduce the likelihood of
unintended environmental impacts resulting from
an increased demand for feedstock, including the
potential for increased use of fertiliser and runoff
entering the Great Barrier Reef resulting from an
expansion or increase in intensity of cane production.
(For more information: http://www.statedevelopment.
qld.gov.au/industry-development/biofutures.html)
| 25
What more should Queensland be doing?
The Queensland Government is determined to properly manage the transition to a low-carbon economy and secure our fair share of the jobs and
industries of the future.
While a well-designed national approach is likely to be the most effective and efficient way
to drive down carbon pollution, the state government will play a key role as both a leader
and a model user. Specifically, state-based action is needed to address gaps in national
policy, take action in areas of state responsibility and to help Queensland businesses and
communities adjust to and take advantage of national and international carbon measures.
The state government also has a significant role to play as a polluter in its own right, and a
purchaser of goods and services. This includes managing the energy and emissions of staterun buildings like schools and hospitals.
These four ‘pillars of decarbonisation’ (ClimateWorks Australia and ANU 2014) present
opportunities in a range of sectors including:
There are four main ways to reduce carbon pollution over the long-term while maintaining
strong economic growth. Each can simultaneously deliver other benefits to individuals,
communities, existing industries and the economy overall:
• agriculture and land management
• Energy efficiency
»» Being smarter about the use of energy and doing more with less
• Low carbon electricity
»» Reducing the emissions associated with energy production and, over time,
replacing existing
fossil fuel based generation with home-grown renewable energy
• Electrification and fuel switching
»» Switching the fuels used in cars, buildings and industries to cleaner options,
including low carbon electricity and biofuels
• Non-energy emissions
»» Storing carbon in our trees and in our soils, which offsets emissions created by
other sectors while providing our rural and regional communities with an additional
income stream.
26 |
• energy and electricity
• housing, buildings and town planning
• transport
• waste management and recycling
• training, trade and investment
• mining and resources.
The next section of the discussion paper canvasses examples of actions that Queensland
could take in key sectors. Your ideas on what actions and opportunities Queensland
should pursue will help shape our strategy for transitioning to a low carbon economy.
HITTING THE RIGHT TARGET:
THE VALUE OF A LONG-TERM GOAL
Setting an emissions reduction goal has a number of
important benefits. Interim targets and policies can be
assessed against their capacity to contribute to the goal.
This sends a clear signal to stakeholders and investors of
what is expected and anticipated, reducing uncertainty
and improving their capacity to make efficient decisions.
Setting an emissions reduction goal also helps discourage
delaying actions to reduce emissions, which can lock
in high carbon activities and result in a greater reliance
down the track on technologies which are expensive,
underdeveloped and potentially constrained in order to
meet externally imposed targets or limits.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
1. What should Queensland look like in 5, 10 or 30 years in a low carbon global economy?
2. What do you think are the benefits and costs of taking action to address climate change
in Queensland?
3. What part should Queensland play in meeting global and national climate change
commitments?
4. How should Queensland work with the Commonwealth, state and territory governments
and local governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
South Australia recently committed to a target of zero net
emissions by 2050 and will embed the target in legislative
and policy frameworks. Interim commitments include
improving the energy efficiency of government buildings
by 30 per cent from 2001 levels by 2020, 50 per cent
renewable electricity by 20252 and the achievement of $10
billion in low carbon investment by 2025.
Many states in the USA have set ambitious long-term goals
and policy frameworks to implement them. California
has committed to an emissions target of an 80 per cent
reduction below 1990 levels by 2050. That state has also
set an interim target of 40 per cent below 1990 levels by
2030 and strengthened a range of policies including its
renewable energy target to 50 per cent by 2030.
5. What kind of goals or targets should Queensland set in order to achieve this?
6. What could the Queensland Government do to further stimulate innovation and commercialisation of low emissions and clean technologies?
7. Should Queensland sign the ‘Under 2 MOU?’
2
In 2009, South Australia set a target of 33 per cent renewable energy by 2020. The state went from having little renewable energy a decade ago to achieving its 33 per cent target in 2013-14. Subsequently,
the target was increased to 50 per cent by 2025 (www.renewablessa.
sa.gov.au).
| 27
Electricity and energy efficiency
Queensland’s emissions from electricity generation are increasing; electricity
prices have risen steeply too. We need to examine how we use energy and
how we can manage a sustainable transition to clean energy sources.
Queensland has excellent renewable energy resources. It’s a fast-growing industry with
major growth potential. Plus, falling technology costs make renewable technology more
economic for households and businesses.
Energy efficiency is another area that provides great opportunity to cut both costs and
pollution at the same time.
As early as 2003, it was found energy consumption in the manufacturing, commercial and
residential sectors could be reduced by as much as 30 per cent while delivering the same
services by deploying existing cost-effective technology that recovered its costs within
four years (EEGHWG 2003).
SHAKING UP THE ENERGY MIX
Among large industrial nations, Germany leads the way in reforming and
decarbonising its energy generation system. This monumental transformation, known
as the Energiewende, has accelerated further following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear
incident. The proportion of electricity generation accounted for by renewable energy in
Germany increased from 6 per cent in 2000 to 30 per cent in 2015. By the year 2025,
40–45 per cent of electricity consumed in Germany will be sourced from renewables;
by 2035, that figure will be 55–60 per cent.
This energy transition also has opened up important new fields of business in
Germany. New global markets have arisen in the wake of the expansion of renewable
energy sources and efficient use of energy. German enterprises are also playing a
major role both domestically and internationally in renewable energy development
and creating many jobs in the process.
28 |
Photo courtesy of Sunelec
HAVE YOUR SAY:
RENEWABLE ENERGY EXPERT PANEL
The Queensland Government has a clear commitment to increasing the level of renewable energy
in this state.
The government has established a Renewable Energy Expert Panel to undertake a public inquiry into a
renewable energy target for Queensland. The Panel will assess and establish credible pathways to a 50
per cent renewable energy target in Queensland by 2030 and identify how to drive the development of
a renewable energy economy for the state. The Panel will deliver its final report by
the end of 2016.
Central to the inquiry is a broad public consultation process. Information about the Expert Panel inquiry
and how to participate can be found on the Department of Energy and Water Supply website:
www.dews.qld.gov.au/electricity/solar/solar-future/expert-panel
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
8. What are the opportunities for
Queensland in transitioning to
a clean energy future?
THE TRANSFORMATIVE POTENTIAL OF BATTERIES
Energy storage is a critical enabling technology for a wide
range of applications such as providing renewable energy
storage (e.g. together with household or business solar PV
systems), on- and off-grid remote power, telecommunications
and peak demand management.
Much as for renewable energy, rapid cost reductions for energy
storage are expected to drive wide-scale deployment, increased
investment and job growth. Recent research estimates that
global annual battery storage capacity will grow from:
• 0.36GW in 2014 to 14GW in 2023 for utility
scale applications
• 0.17GW in 2014 to 12GW in 2024 for residential
and commercial applications.
In 2001, two engineers in Brisbane began to develop a zincbromine flowing electrolyte battery system. Their technology
offered the potential to overcome the limitations of existing
energy storage systems by providing much lower cost, a longer
life, less weight and a better match for time-shifting electricity
use with a discharge time of three to eight hours. RedFlow
Limited was formed soon after.
9. What are the major barriers
in adopting clean energy
technologies in Queensland?
With mentoring support, funding and collaboration with the
Queensland and federal governments, the University of Queensland
and Ergon Energy, RedFlow was able to commercialise the battery.
By late 2010, RedFlow’s technology was being installed throughout
Australia and New Zealand: in 2014, a manufacturing agreement
with US giant Flextronics realised commercial production of
RedFlow’s unique ‘flow battery’.
10.What programs would you like to see put in place to
encourage greater uptake of energy efficiency and clean energy?
RedFlow continues to innovate: a companion Battery Management
System that simplifies the installation and management of
RedFlow batteries, essentially making them a ‘plug and play’
electricity storage device, was recently released. Brisbane-based
RedFlow demonstrates the employment and investment benefits of
supporting energy storage innovation in Queensland.
| 29
Built environment
Buildings consume a significant amount of electricity, accounting for emissions equivalent to the entire Queensland agricultural sector. They also
represent some of the most well-proven, lowest-cost opportunities to reduce emissions, which is why building energy efficiency measures are often near
the top of climate action plans for governments and businesses alike.
Beyond the bricks and mortar buildings themselves, how we shape urban form and develop our urban environments impacts directly on how much pollution is created from electricity
use and transport, as well as the resilience of our cities and communities to the impacts of climate change. Put simply: there is as much to be gained from better arranging and
connecting land uses as there is from improving the efficiency of buildings.
For example, residential journeys—connecting households with jobs and services—create a significant proportion of the emissions generated in the transport sector. The way we design
and build our cities and neighbourhoods impacts directly on these emissions. By putting more housing closer to jobs and services, especially public transport transit, the need for
private vehicle travel is reduced as is the length of trips.
Investing wisely in the right infrastructure—frequent and high quality transit and convenient pedestrian and cycle connections—will provide an attractive alternative to increasingly
congested commuter trips by private vehicle. The neighbourhoods served by this infrastructure are places designed for people, not for cars, and provide the basis for more sustainable
and low energy lifestyles.
These principles will underpin the approach to the South East Queensland Regional Plan and the State Infrastructure Plan. Together, these plans will shift South East Queensland
towards a more sustainable urban form—compact, connected and more energy-efficient, reducing carbon emissions by putting more housing closer to jobs and services.
BUILDING SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBOURHOODS
HOW CALIFORNIA SAVED $74 BILLION OVER FOUR DECADES
Southeast False Creek in Vancouver, Canada is a leading example
of how urban environments can be designed for sustainable living.
California is a leader in efforts to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, with the California
Energy Commission implementing advanced building codes and appliance standards, incentive
programs, training and public awareness. The Energy Commission estimates that its energy
efficiency building and appliance standards, which are updated every three years, have saved
Californians more than $74 billion in reduced electricity bills since 1977. Savings accumulate as
newer, more efficient models replace older equipment and appliances and as new construction
replaces older buildings.
Southeast False Creek is designed as a mixed-use community
with a total population of 11,000–13,000 people and a focus on
residential housing. It features efficient energy solutions, high
performance green buildings, and easy transit access.
The development includes the The Southeast False Creek
Neighborhood Energy Utility which uses waste thermal energy
captured from sewage to provide space heating and hot water to
new buildings in Southeast False Creek.
This recycled energy eliminates more than 60 per cent of the
greenhouse gas pollution associated with heating buildings.
The utility is self-funded: it provides a return on investment to
Vancouver taxpayers and affordable rates to customers.
Existing buildings are targeted through the 2015 Existing Buildings Energy Efficiency Action Plan.
The plan includes strategies to improve energy codes for existing buildings, a benchmarking and
disclosure program for large commercial buildings, and increasing financing options through access
to reliable information and qualified service providers. California’s approach recognises the pivotal
role all play—building occupants and owners, architects, contractors, local building officials,
equipment manufacturers and suppliers, and financing entities. For example, a principal strategy of
the plan is to make information on efficiency project costs and savings readily available so that the
value of efficiency upgrade projects is apparent.
(City of Vancouver 2016)
(CEC 2016)
30 |
THE VICKER RIDGE: LUXURY LIVING THAT DOESN’T COST THE EARTH
Queensland homeowner Robert McVicker has built a contemporary family home in Logan Village with all the mod cons: big swimming pool with waterslide, multiple fridges, electric
heated floor, home theatre, a clothes dryer for regular use—and even outdoor air conditioning!
But ‘The Vicker Ridge’ is more than an example of luxury living. It is also a remarkable example of meaningful sustainability, as the building produces more energy and water than it consumes.
Over the past two years (May 2014 to April 2016), The Vicker Ridge exported 112 per cent of the electrical energy imported by the building.
Over the past three years (May 2013 to April 2016), The Vicker Ridge treated all wastewater onsite and harvested 109 per cent of the building’s water needs. It even still managed to
harvest 108 per cent of its water needs in the 2014 calendar year, despite being one of the driest years on record in Queensland.
The home uses solar power production, smart building construction, design and energy efficiency devices to maintain energy efficiency. The home harvests rainwater and all wastewater
is treated onsite without chemicals and reused, eliminating the need for external offsite facilities that use electricity to provide water supply and wastewater treatment.
The McVickers have no electricity bills, no municipal water service fees and no municipal sewerage fees.
The Vicker Ridge has won multiple awards, including the Built Environment Award at the prestigious 2015 Premier’s Sustainability Awards.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
11. What steps should Queensland take to improve energy efficiency in the built environment sector?
12.What are the main challenges to achieving successful, sustainable communities in Queensland? What types of innovations
might address these challenges?
| 31
STOCKHOLM SHOWCASES ELECTRIC HYBRID BUSES
PLUGGING INTO ELECTRIC VEHICLES
More and more cities around the world are using electrified bus traffic as a costefficient way of reducing the twin problems of poor air quality and carbon emissions. Electric vehicles (EVs) offer both a low emission transport solution and a zero-emission
option when recharged from renewable energy only. Even when recharged from the
existing grid, EVs are more carbon friendly than the average Queensland car3:
Stockholm has recently deployed a number of fuel-efficient, and practically
emission-free, electric hybrid buses to their public transport network. At least
one entire route through the Swedish capital’s centre is served entirely by electric
hybrid buses.
The electric hybrid buses from Volvo operate quietly and free of emissions on
renewable electricity for much of their journey, with the batteries quick-charged
for only six minutes at the end of a route. As a complement, the buses also have a
small diesel engine that is driven on biodiesel.
Compared with conventional buses, the electric hybrids provide considerable
environmental gains. The total energy consumption on a city bus route of 10
kilometres is 60 per cent lower than a Euro 6 standard diesel bus, and carbon
emissions are reduced by 90 per cent since the buses use a combination of
renewable energy and biodiesel. The electric hybrid bus roll-out in Stockholm is a
demonstration project by Volvo Buses, Stockholm Public Transport and Vattenfall;
it is part-financed through the Zero Emission Urban Bus System project.
Electric hybrid buses have also been used in commercial service in Hamburg,
Germany, since December 2014. Closer to home, the Noosa Shire Council plans to commence a trial of electric
buses in 2016.
Average
Queensland car
Battery only EV
(Queensland grid)
Plug-in hybrid EV
SUV
Battery only EV
(renewable energy)
270gCO2/km
160gCO2/km
125gCO2/km
0gCO2/km
Switching even 2 per cent of Queensland’s car fleet (with all EVs used being recharged
from renewable energy) could generate significant savings—potentially avoiding up to
675,000tCO2 for a single year compared with an average Queensland car.
EVs offer other benefits by: reducing urban air pollution; optimising electricity infrastructure;
soaking up excess electricity generated by renewables or existing generators; and providing
potential for household savings on energy spending on electricity and fuel.
The Queensland Government fleet has previously evaluated EVs, and is currently evaluating
the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). Greater use of these
vehicles will assist the government to not only save money on fuel costs but also reduce its
carbon footprint.
Queensland is also home to internationally recognised EV innovations. Tritium is a
Brisbane based company exporting its EV fast-recharging and other EV technology around
the world. Another example of home grown innovation is Ashburner Francis, an engineering
consultancy located in East Brisbane, which has developed an integrated transport and
energy solution by pairing a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV with a 20kW Canadian Solar PV
system. This integrated solution was financed via a ‘clean-tech’ funder over a seven-year
period at $0 up-front cost. After a year of operation, the firm saved more than 30 per cent
in both electricity and fleet operating costs compared with a conventional hybrid sedan.
Ashburner Francis is now investigating the feasibility of adding battery storage in order to
take advantage of the solar energy they generate during weekends.
3
Assumptions: average kilometres travelled: 12,762 km; battery EV: 170w/km; PHEV: 134w/km; emissions intensity of Queensland electricity: 0.93kgCO2-e/kwH; total car emissions in Queensland: 9,095,370tCO2-e; average
emissions per car: 3.542tCO2-e
32 |
Transport
The transport sector is projected to experience one of the largest proportional growths in emissions for Queensland to 2030. This includes the emissions
generated from cars, trains, trucks, buses, airplanes and boats.
While managing emissions in this sector is a particular challenge for a large and
decentralised state like Queensland where long distance travel is common and often
unavoidable, transport emission-busting technologies exist and are commercially available.
As existing towns and cities undergo maintenance and development opportunities, it
makes sense to consider ways to reduce greenhouse emissions while improving the
liveability of our communities and affordability of transport options.
Behavioural change is important too. For example, using public transport is at least twice
as energy efficient as using a private vehicle travel.
Greater usage of the public transport system in Queensland would lead to fewer vehicles
overall on Queensland roads, leading to reduced emissions from transport and will also
reduce congestion.
Transition in the transport sector promises significant benefits beyond carbon pollution
reduction—like cleaner air with less particulate pollution (a form of pollution associated
with public health risks including increases in mortality and respiratory and cardiovascular
morbidity [CAR 2015]).
The possibility for light rail, infrastructure for electric vehicles in city hubs, an extensive
network of bikeways, and an increased usage of the public transport system could be
a part of a new-look Queensland. The investment in such activities could be achieved
through alternative funding methods such as value-sharing mechanisms.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
13.What would an efficient, affordable, low emission transport system look like in 10 or 20 years?
14.What are the major barriers in shifting to lower carbon transport options in Queensland?
15.What strategies would you like to see put in place to encourage greater uptake of low emission transport options?
16.What strategies would be effective in encouraging greater patronage on public transport and fewer private vehicles on the road?
17.What could the Queensland Government do to support greater uptake of EVs?
18.How could the Queensland Government maximise the carbon reduction potential of EVs?
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Waste
The waste sector contributes 3.4 per cent of Queensland’s greenhouse gas emissions. This is largely from the release of methane which is produced
when organic matter breaks down. Ever-advancing technology has demonstrated that waste processes provide the opportunity to create new jobs, deliver
financial savings for industry and reduce pollution.
Industrial ecology and its focus on closed-loop systems that reduce waste of any sort—water, electricity and biological products—from flowing into the environment has a direct effect
on greenhouse gas emissions.
Reducing the amount of materials discarded into landfill further reduces the amount of energy (and other resources such as water) used to replace materials we have discarded.
FINDING RENEWABLE ENERGY OUT OF WASTEWATER
Teys Australia is the second largest red meat processor and exporter in Australia,
employing about 4,500 people, mainly in regional Australian communities. In a smart
move towards producing and using more renewable energy onsite, Teys Australia has
built state-of-the-art waste water treatment systems at its Beenleigh and Rockhampton
facilities that greatly reduce reliance on fossil fuels and limited natural resources.
These systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions and capture biogas, a by-product of
the anaerobic treatment of waste water, from large volume lagoons covered with an
HDPE vinyl ‘roof’.
The waste water treatment plants have been successful in using this Covered
Anaerobic Lagoon (CAL) technology to capture the methane-rich biogas previously
emitted to the atmosphere as a waste. All liquid waste from the facility is passed
through the CALs. Biogas is used onsite as a substitute for natural gas and coal in
boilers, with the potential to also be used for electricity generation onsite in the future.
Modelling indicates Teys Australia’s $31 million investment in the two Queensland
projects reduces the towns’ combined annual carbon dioxide emissions by 72,000
tonnes. This is equivalent to taking 24,000 cars off Queensland roads every year.
Additionally it will deliver a combined reduction in natural gas and coal of 161,540
gigajoules (GJ).
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GIVING NEW LIFE TO WASTE OIL
The $65 million Northern Oil Refinery at Yarwun, near Gladstone, opened in March 2014 as the first facility in Queensland to recycle waste lubricating oil back into base lubricating oil
for reuse. The joint venture between Southern Oil Refinery and J.J. Richards and Sons produces no waste and recycles waste oils that may otherwise have been burnt or landfilled.
The advanced plant is capable of processing 100 million litres of waste oil a year, meaning all of Queensland’s annual waste lubricating oil production can be reprocessed in Gladstone.
By keeping oil in productive use, the facility lowers carbon emissions, delivers improved oil security and supports a new industry and local jobs. These environmental and economic
credentials earned the plant the Innovation in Sustainable Technologies Award at the 2015 Queensland Premier’s Sustainability Awards.
In March 2016, the Queensland Government announced that a $16 million advanced biofuels pilot plant will be built at the Yarwun plant. If successful, the Northern Oil Advanced
Biofuels Pilot Plant will be expanded to a large commercial-scale refinery costing $150 million and producing 200 million litres of advanced biofuel annually. This will be suitable for
military, marine and aviation use.
Switching to biofuels instead of petrol, diesel or gas is an effective way to reduce emissions in the transportation sector, especially for vehicles where electrification is not yet an option.
Re-refining waste oil instead of burning it also keeps CO2e emissions out of the atmosphere: Between March 2014 (when the refinery opened) and Christmas 2015, the Northern Oil Refinery
reduced Australian CO2-e emissions by more than 360,000 tonnes—the equivalent of taking almost 70,000 cars off the road.
If all of Australia’s collected waste oil was re-refined instead of burned, greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced by about 1 million tonnes per year.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
19.What do you think the key waste priorities are in Queensland?
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Photo courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland
FIGURE 4
Land use, land-use change and forestry
net emissions by State/Territory (2013)
Emissions (Mt Co2-e)
Queensland
New South Wales
Victoria
Western Australia
South Australia
Northern Territory
Tasmania
ACT (partial inventory)
-10
-5
0
5
10
Emissions (Mt Co2-e)
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15
20
25
30
Land sector
Land use, land use change and forestry sector, including agricultural land
use, plays an important role in storing carbon.
Queensland is responsible for 90 per cent of Australia’s total land sector emissions. In all
other jurisdictions except Western Australia and the Northern Territory, this sector acts as
a ‘carbon sink’, meaning that activity in the sector actually removes more carbon from the
atmosphere than it releases.
Carbon farming in some areas of Queensland shows the reality of a new industry that
can provide a new source of income for land managers. The introduction of carbon offset
requirements could create a new domestic or even international market that Queensland
is perfectly positioned to exploit.
Reducing the amount of land-clearing in Queensland is an integral step in reducing our
overall carbon emissions.
Reducing land-clearing and increasing afforestation comes with substantial co-benefits
in addition to decreasing pollution: it helps improve biodiversity by protecting habitat for
native wildlife; it helps reduces pollution runoff into waterways and the Great Barrier Reef;
it also assists farmers be more resilient to the current and inevitable future impacts of
climate change.
Avoiding further clearing, however, is only part of the equation: encouraging regrowth
and afforestation, including of land already owned or held by the government, is
equally important.
Our knowledge about the value of land and marine areas and their role in reducing climate
change impacts has grown immensely. Plans to include blue carbon in national carbon
accounting standards will present great opportunities and co-benefits for Queensland. WHAT IS ‘BLUE CARBON’?
‘Blue carbon’ refers to the storage and sequestration of carbon in the world’s coastal ecosystems. Ecosystems such as mangroves, salt marshes and seagrasses store vast amounts of
carbon, with much of this stored in the sediment beneath the vegetation. Queensland has extensive potential for blue carbon storage with large areas of wetlands and about half the
mangrove forest area of Australia.
Scientists now understand the significance of blue carbon in combating climate change, with coastal ecosystems being capable of burying and storing carbon at rates better than
terrestrial ecosystems such as tropical rainforests. Furthermore, unlike terrestrial ecosystems, which can reach soil carbon storage capacity within decades, blue carbon ecosystems can
continue to deposit carbon for thousands of years. Unfortunately, coastal developments’ destruction of these habitats results in the loss of this storage capacity and the release of vast
amounts of stored carbon.
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CARBON FARMING
Photo courtesy of the Aboriginal Carbon Fund
Brock and Katrina run 1,200 cattle on ‘Wallal’ property, south of Charleville. Carbon farming has offered them the opportunity to diversify farm income in a
region suffering from the impacts of fluctuating beef prices and drought. Brock
and Katrina now have two contracts with the Australian Government to manage
native forest regrowth on previously cleared land for the purposes of sequestering
carbon. With minimal impact on grazing, the two contracts supply up to half the
property’s net profit, whilst saving Brock and Katrina years of work manually reclearing regrowth. ‘Wallal’ is not the only property to benefit from the opportunities offered through
carbon farming. More than 40 properties in Queensland’s south-west region
successfully secured contracts in the Australian Government’s November 2015
Emissions Reduction Fund auction, injecting more than $200 million of additional
income into the region over the life of the projects. In carbon terms, this is
equivalent to taking more than three million cars off the road for the entire year. Queensland’s vast land area offers significant opportunities to invest in carbon
farming in the coming years—an investment that will deliver important financial,
carbon reduction, biodiversity and landscape restoration benefits
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
20.What are the key issues the Queensland Government should address with respect to land use and land use planning?
21.How can we provide some stability in the livelihood of our farmers, and support the potential for transition to new industries
such as carbon farming?
22.What role do you think the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments should play in securing terrestrial and marine blue
carbon storage areas?
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Resources
Under the international carbon pollution reduction arrangements, emissions
are accounted for in the place where they are generated. This means,
for example, the emissions generated from burning coal exported from
Queensland are accounted for in the country where the coal is used.
However, Queensland remains accountable for the emissions generated in the process
of mining and production, including emissions from the energy consumed and emissions
from unintended leaks of gas and vapours that occur in the mining and production
process (known as ‘fugitive’ emissions).
The shift to a low-carbon economy requires examination of how to reduce these emissions
generated directly by the resources sector.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
23.What strategies should Queensland pursue to support industry to reduce emissions generated in the process of mining and production?
RIO TINTO SWITCHES FROM DIESEL TO SOLAR IN WEIPA
Mining industry giants like Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton recognise the need for urgent
action to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and the economic reality of the
global shift towards clean energy sources.
For these companies that both produce and consume energy, reducing the emissions
of their own operations by increasing energy efficiency and switching from fossil-fuel
intensive sources of energy are key planks in adapting to a low-carbon environment.
In September 2015, Rio Tinto switched on its commercial diesel displacement solar
plant in Weipa, far northern Queensland. The 1.7MW solar PV array will generate
electricity for Rio Tinto’s Weipa bauxite mine, processing facilities and the township,
cutting Rio Tinto’s diesel use by around 600,000 litres a year.
This is the first stage of the project, which is planned to extend to 6.7MW and include
battery storage in coming years.
Photo courtesy of Australian Renewable Energy Agency
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency, which provided $3.5 million for the
first stage of the project, hopes its success will create a precedent for industry by
demonstrating the viability of solar PV for powering remote, off-grid sites such as
mines (2015).
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HAVE YOUR SAY:
Playing a part in the global effort to limit warming to well below 2°C is critical for the long-term viability of Queensland’s economy, communities
and industries.
We have work to do to make sure Queensland is on track to weather the impacts of both a changing climate and a changing global economy, and secure our fair share of the
new industries and jobs that are rapidly emerging around Australia.
Your feedback and ideas on the topics raised in this discussion paper will help inform the development of our strategy for managing the transition to a low carbon future.
To respond to the ‘What do you think’ questions or provide any other feedback, please submit a written submission by emailing [email protected]. You can also
participate in the online survey at www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au.
Submissions close on 2 September 2016.
We’ll be providing regular updates about the development of the climate transition strategy and other work being done by the
Queensland Government to understand and adapt to the impacts of a changing climate for Queensland. You can keep up with the
latest news and opportunities to be involved by liking the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection on Facebook, or
signing up for email updates at www.qld.gov.au/environment/climate/climate-change
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(Footnotes)
1
Adapted from Climate Commission 2012
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